Denver: A City for Everyone 

Denver is a vibrant and rapidly growing city that offers something for everyone—whether you're drawn to the energy of urban life or the serenity of the nearby mountains. While the Rockies are a major attraction, Denver itself is rich with culture, opportunity, and community.

The city is made up of 78 unique neighborhoods, each offering a distinct lifestyle. From sleek high-rise apartments downtown to family-friendly suburban communities, Denver provides a wide range of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets. Although housing costs have risen in recent years, residents continue to find safe and comfortable places to rent or buy across the city.

Whether you're searching for a cozy studio in the heart of the city or a spacious single-family home, Denver’s diverse neighborhoods ensure that there’s a place for everyone to call home.

Where Do Fellows Live?

Despite the rising cost of housing in Denver, our fellows consistently find safe, comfortable, and affordable living options within a reasonable commute to all clinical sites. Most fellows choose to live near one of the three main hospital locations, accepting a longer commute to the others. For example, the average drive between the Anschutz Medical Campus and Denver Health is about 25 minutes—extending to around 35 minutes during peak traffic hours.

Here are some of the most popular areas where our residents live:

Downtown & Surrounding Urban Neighborhoods

Downtown Denver features high-rise apartments in a walkable city center, close to Denver Health. Residents enjoy easy access to the 16th Street Mall, parks, museums, and a vibrant restaurant scene.

LoDo (Lower Downtown), RiNo (River North Arts District), and Ballpark offer trendy lofts in renovated warehouses. LoDo is known for its historic charm and nightlife, while RiNo is a colorful arts district filled with murals, galleries, and breweries. Ballpark is ideal for sports fans, located near Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies.

Uptown & Highlands

Located just east and west of downtown, Uptown (North Capitol Hill) and Highlands blend historic homes with new developments. These neighborhoods are close to Denver Health and offer a lively mix of dining, nightlife, and shopping. Uptown is known for its eclectic bars and lounges, while the Highlands features elegant homes and modern apartment complexes in a more residential setting.

Central Park & Lowry

Near the University Hospital and VA Medical Center, Central Park and Lowry are newer, master-planned communities with a suburban feel. These neighborhoods are family-friendly and offer abundant green space, recreational amenities, and convenient shopping and dining. Lowry, a former Air Force base, retains elements of its history while offering modern suburban living.

Five Points & Cherry Creek

Five Points, just south of RiNo and the Highlands, is Denver’s historic cultural district. Once known as the “Harlem of the West,” it has deep roots in jazz and African American heritage. Today, it’s a lively area filled with soul food spots, BBQ joints, museums, festivals, and taprooms.

Cherry Creek is one of Denver’s more upscale neighborhoods, known for luxury apartments, high-end shopping, and direct access to the scenic Cherry Creek Trail.

Capitol Hill, Park Hill, Washington Park & Cheesman Park

These established neighborhoods near Denver Health offer a wide range of housing—from apartments and townhomes to single-family homes. Residents enjoy local shops, cozy cafes, and two of Denver’s largest parks: Cheesman Park and Washington Park, both of which host year-round outdoor events and activities.

What Is There to Do in Denver?

While Colorado is famous for its skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, there’s so much more to explore—especially in and around Denver. The Mile High City has experienced a population boom in recent years, transforming it into a dynamic hub of culture, cuisine, and entertainment. When they’re not at the hospital or in clinic, our fellows take full advantage of everything the city and state have to offer. 

Here are just a few ways our fellows enjoy their time outside of work:

• Catch a concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a natural outdoor venue unlike any other.
• Relax with live jazz at City Park’s “Jazz in the Park” summer series.
• Cheer on one of Denver’s eight professional sports teams
• Explore Denver’s renowned craft beer scene with a Hop Passport and discover local microbreweries.
• Take in a Broadway show or symphony performance at the Denver Performing Arts Complex—the second largest in the country.
• Dine at one of Denver’s many farm-to-table restaurants or sample global flavors like Vietnamese pho or Ethiopian cuisine.
• Grab coffee at a local roastery, then head to one of the city’s many off-leash dog parks.

With a flexible schedule that allows time to explore, our fellows enjoy a rich work-life balance and the chance to truly experience Colorado. For more ideas on what to see and do, we recommend checking out 5280: Denver’s Mile High Magazine, a great resource for local culture, events, and lifestyle.